Now compatible with Apple computers and laptops! Included software is now Mac OS X compatible (up to OS X 10.10), as well as Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista (32 bit and 64 bit), and XP operating systems. PLEASE NOTE: Not compatible with OS X 10.11 El Capitan or later

Our fourth generation planetary imaging camera provides an affordable way to acquire stunning astrophotos of our neighbors in the solar system

Features a 1/3" format color CMOS imaging chip with a very small 3.6 microns x 3.6 microns pixel size for exceptional resolution

Now Mac Compatible! You can now use the popular Orion StarShoot Solar System Color Imager IV with an Apple computer or PC. Included imaging and processing software is now compatible with Apple Mac OS X systems (up to OS X 10.10) as well as Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista (32 bit & 64 bit), and XP operating systems. PLEASE NOTE: Not compatible with OS X 10.11 El Capitan.

Astrophotography is an immensely rewarding hobby, but what should you start taking pictures of if you're a beginner? Some of the best objects to start on are the planets of our own solar system and the Moon. Big, bright targets like Jupiter, Saturn, Mars and the Moon make wonderful models as they strut their way around the Sun on their celestial catwalk. The planets are relatively easy to locate and identify in the night sky, so solar system objects prime imaging targets for all astrophotographs.

The Orion StarShoot Solar System Color Imager IV is equipped with features that make it easy to take your own pictures of objects in our solar system. Its 1/3" format CMOS imaging sensor with a 1280 x 1024 pixel layout can take sharply detailed planetary and lunar astrophotographs. Each pixel is a mere 3.6Ám x 3.6Ám in size for exceptional image resolution in 24-bit RGB color. Since the 8-bit output StarShoot Solar System Color Imager IV is progressive scan, all pixels will be used for each and every exposure. At full 1280 x 1024 resolution, you can capture up to 15 frames per second. By stacking multiple exposures to create a single picture, you can increase image detail significantly.

The Imager's 1.25" nosepiece is threaded for 1.25" filters, so you can use astrophotography filters and color visual filters to enhance your shots. The StarShoot Solar System Color Imager IV features an integrated IR-cut filter to block both ultraviolet and infrared light. These wavelengths of light can degrade image quality, so by blocking them, the IR-cut filter helps to optimize contrast in all your astrophotos.

The included Orion AmCap software provides the means to capture images in the popular AVI movie format which are downloaded to your computer through its high speed USB 2.0 connection with the included 58" long USB cable. Website links are provided in the launcher to download popular free image processing software to be used with your AVI files to further enhance your astrophotos. Image processing software allows you to align and stack (combine) hundreds of individual images into a single resultant image and perform additional image processing to bring out subtle details or to make the image appear more pleasing overall.

Get the StarShoot Solar System Color Imager IV and take your own shot of the Moon and planets!

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Warranty

Limited Warranty against defects in materials or workmanship for one year from date of purchase. This warranty is for the benefit of the original retail purchaser only. For complete warranty details contact us at 800-676-1343.

Warning

Please note this product was not designed or intended by the manufacturer for use by a child 12 years of age or younger.

Imaging chip

Short for "charge-coupled device," a CCD chip is a light-sensitive electronic detector used in making astronomical images. Sensitive over a wide range of wavelengths, and much more efficient than film in gathering light, CCDs are often used to image extremely faint objects.

A/D conversion

The Analog to Digital Converter (A/D Converter) transfers the raw analog signal captured by the camera to a digital value. The digital value is sent to the computer in ADUs (Analog to Digital Units). The A/D Converter also determines the bit resolution of the analog to digital conversion. The more bit resolution the A/D Converter has, the greater the range of ADUs, which yields a better range of image contrast from the camera. (If "X" equals the bit resolution of the A/D Converter, then 2expX = total range of ADUs.) For example, many commercial digital cameras use a 12-bit A/D Converter which has 4,096 ADUs, and high-end astronomical CCD cameras typically use a 16-bit A/D Converter which has 65,536 ADUs.

Thermoelectric cooling

A thermoelectric cooler draws heat away from the chip, which lowers the overall electronic "noise" in the resulting image. For every 6║ drop in temperature, the dark noise in the image is reduced by half.

IR filter

CCD cameras are very sensitive to a wide range of wavelengths, including farther out into the infra-red spectrum than we can see by eye. Normally this is never a problem when looking through the telescope, but a sensitive CCD camera will see this slightly out of focus region of the spectrum, resulting in fatter stars than normal. An IR filter will cut out this region of the spectrum leaving tightly focused stars and a better overall image.

Warranty

This warranty gives you specific legal rights. It is not intended to remove or restrict your other legal rights under applicable local consumer law; your state or national statutory consumer rights governing the sale of consumer goods remain fully applicable.

Orders received by noon Pacific Time for in-stock item the same business day. Order received after noon will ship the next business day. When an item is not in-stock we will ship it as soon as it becomes available. Typically in-stock items will ship first and backordered items will follow as soon as they are available. You have the option in check out to request that your order ship complete, if you'd prefer.

Having trouble viewing details on the Moons surface? This neutral-density eyepiece filter reduces glare so you can see more detail and surface features. The 1.25" Orion 13% Transmission Moon Filter is especially useful with large aperture telescopes.

The Orion 1.25" Astrophotography Flip Mirror is a real time saver. It allows you to find and focus your target visually through an eyepiece instead of by tediously taking pictures. Focus through the eyepiece, then flip the mirror to take a picture.

Would you like more contrast and less glare while viewing the moon and bright planets? The 1.25" Orion Variable Polarizing Telescope Filter reduces both and brings out details. And you can adjust the amount of light transmission for the perfect view.

You've just bought your first telescope, but now what? The Orion Beginning Stargazer's Toolkit is the perfect addition. This best selling kit includes a Star Target planisphere, Orion Telescope Observer's Guide book, Orion MoonMap 260, and more!

For testing the accuracy of your tracking system, or centering stars for GoTo system alignment, the wide field of the Orion 20mm Illuminated Centering Eyepiece makes it easy. Just use the illuminated crosshair to acquire and center any star.

Have you ever wanted to take a picture of what you were viewing through your telescope? The Orion SteadyPix Deluxe Camera Mount lets you! It securely holds most point-and-shoot cameras up to an eyepiece for afocal photography of celestial objects.

The 1.25" Deluxe Orion Stargazers Filter Set is a comprehensive 6 filter set for the best views of all types of celestial objects. Includes the SkyGlow Light Pollution Filter, Variable Polarizing Filter, and 4 Planetary filters.

At Orion, we are committed to sharing our knowledge and passion for astronomy and astrophotography with the amateur astronomy community. Visit the Orion Community Center for in-depth information on telescopes, binoculars, and astrophotography. You can find astrophotography "how to" tips and share your best astronomy pictures here. Submit astronomy articles, events, and reviews, and even become a featured Orion customer!